If you're wondering whether you can use a one inch filter instead of a four inch filter in your oven, the answer is not so straightforward. It depends on the size of the filter slot in your oven and the type of filter you're using. In this article, we'll break down the differences between 4-inch and 1-inch oven filters, and explain why size matters when it comes to air quality. When it comes to air filters, the 4-inch thick option has a definite advantage over the 1-inch option in terms of longevity, airflow, and maximum filtration potential. If your oven's filter slot is large enough to accommodate the coarser filter, then you can use it.
However, if the slot is less than 4 inches wide, you won't be able to use that thickness. The price difference between 1-inch and 4-inch air filters is usually only a few dollars. But because a 4-inch filter lasts longer, it usually offers a better value. Filters only work if air has to pass through them. The filter has air resistance and a gap does not, so if you leave a gap of 1, a disproportionate amount of air will flow through the hole, which will worsen the situation. Ovens come in a variety of sizes and configurations, which means there's no one-size-fits-all filter.
That said, the 1-inch filter may be too shallow, causing a loose fit that allows unfiltered air to enter the ductwork. Get the efficiency and improved air quality that a 4-media air filter provides in your home or business. On the other hand, a thinner filter (1) will be more restrictive and will create more air pressure on it. If you have an oven in the house, the clogged filter may bother you every 2 to 6 months and request a new replacement. The clean and clear end result is that size does matter, as long as it's the thickness of your oven filter. The combination of a thin air filter with a high MERV rate can also restrict airflow to the point that it hinders efficiency and causes excessive wear and tear.
If a certain amount of dirty air passes through both, the number of “unclogged” pores will be greater in a coarser filter than in a thinner one. All filters have a MERV rating, which marks the efficiency of the filter in removing contaminants from the air supply. The smaller filter area will behave like a filter that is already partially dirty, but you can use it temporarily. Your HVAC technician can provide you with a new filter compartment or modify the existing one to accommodate the thicker filter. If you are considering a thicker air filter to improve air quality, it may be better to focus on the MERV rating rather than size. The thickness of the air cleaner ranges in size from 1 to 5 inches deep; some options are more common than others, and your oven can dictate the thickness you can use.
